Roald Dahl has had one of the more interesting histories among our classic authors. He was considered a poor student in school, almost didn’t survive the Second World War as a pilot for the Royal Air Force—after being forced to literally jam his six-foot-six frame into a tiny cockpit—and then spent some time as a top-secret agent. With this motely collection of experiences, it’s no surprise he could create such imaginative and creative stories. As you discover more about the fascinating life of this unique writer, you’ll read his stories with an entirely new appreciation.